GRRRR I hate Direct Holidays

pookie5488

Had booked to go to the Cala Galdana Playa apts in Menorca in August, just found out today (via another forum not Direct themselves) that no-one was going to the cala galdana and we were being moved to apts called Rio Verde. Called Direct who confirmed this, no apologies for not even letting me know. Basically I have been told my options are to go to Rio Verde or find another holiday with them and pay the diff. They will not give me my money back because apparently this does not constitute a major change????????
Rio Verde is not in any of their brochures was able to find it on their website and the pool looks the size of a postage stamp.
Really fed up now and if you've booked to go to the cala galdana playa apts in menorca, call direct asap because they sure as hell won't call you!!!

saveapenny

lol...It is a major change they have to give you your money back...keep calling customer services till you get someone more helpful. They wont want to lose teh bookign but thats upto them they either offer you a better deal or they hand over YOUR cash. DO NOT accept unbrochured accomodation. if there are servcies that you should have that are not provided such as 6 bars and you get 1 thats only open till 9pm you will have no right no complain when you get back.Its the same as booking an allocation on arrival and paying up front prices

Also look at this http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1992/uksi_19923288_en_1.htm and if need by quote at them from it.
It doesnt matter that they are not part of ABTA these regulations cover ALL packages.

STAND YOUR GROUND

saveapenny

Quote thier booking conditions to them I have typed in CAPS bits you need to tell them
----
4 Changes made by us We make the arrangements for your holiday many months in advance and, very occasionally, we may need to make changes which we reserve the right to do at any time. Usually these changes are very minor, and where we consider it to be appropriate we will notify you of such changes. (breach of contract ...they didnt)


If a MAJOR CHANGE becomes necessary, we will, however, inform you as soon as is reasonably possible if there is time before your departure. Major changes may include the following: a change of overseas resort, time of departure by more than twelve hours, or ACCOMODATION OF A LOWER OFFICAL CATERGORY THAN BOOKED. Please note that these are examples only and there may be other changes which constitute major changes. In this case you will have the following options:

a Accepting the altered holiday arrangements; or
b Transferring to another holiday that we may be able to offer; or
c Cancelling your holiday (if you cancel your holiday we will make a full refund of all monies paid).

pookie5488

Apparently however the two apartments are of the same rating so this is how they are getting out of this part of the clause. Wonder if my travel insurance (bought separately) will cover this? Even if I get my money back will probably find it really difficult to get another holiday for the same dates!!!
Fed up and have a sore head now trying to sort this out.

jaymac_2

Direct did that to us a few years ago, moved us from Santiago to Las Americas in Tenerife...it was brilliant. New apartment was of a much higher standard and much nicer than the original. We've been back to it five times since. Check out your alternative on Trip advisor or holiday truths uncovered before you decide, you might be surprised. Good luck

gregg1

jaymac wrote:

Direct did that to us a few years ago, moved us from Santiago to Las Americas in Tenerife...it was brilliant. New apartment was of a much higher standard and much nicer than the original. We've been back to it five times since. Check out your alternative on Trip advisor or holiday truths uncovered before you decide, you might be surprised. Good luck

be careful and try and check exactly where abouts in Cala Galdana these apartments are. This particular resort is surrounded by high hills and cliffs and a lot of holiday places here are very high up and on steep roads which may not suit everyone - having said that, if is a lovely resort. I think they have treated you quite shoddily and I do hope things work out for you.

simes

When i was moved by direct holidays i ended up at accomodation that was much more expensive than the one i booked. It was also somewhere we had looked at going before ( but the one i originally booked was much cheaper and had good reviews).

After arriving home i also recieved the compensation for a a major change of holiday. Can't remember how much but it meant the holiday had cost us hardly anything. Alcudia ( where we were moved too) was very dissapointing though.

They obviously will be telling you of the change ( its a long time until August).
As others have said - don't be too hasty. Check out reviews of the alternative and if you don't like the sound of it you can still look at alternative accomodation that direct holidays have in their brochure.

Looking at reviews of Cala Galdana Playa and Rio Verde on holidays-uncovered it looks like the Rio has the better reviews from people who have been.